Obituary of Walter or "Mitch' Mitchell

Walter Mitchell, aka “Walt” and “Mitch”, passed away during the evening of Sunday, October 17, 2004, in the Convalescent and Rehab Center at Panorama City in Lacey. Walt was married to his wife Irmgard L. Klauss on March 15, 1952, in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition to Irmgard, he is survived by his daughters Sharron Vandevander (Idaho) and Sheila Whiteford (Hawaii) from his first marriage; daughter Doris Hassell (Virginia) from his marriage with Irmgard; brothers Earl, Gordon, Stan and Dale Mitchell, sister Ida Mae Huwaldt; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and was predeceased by his son William U. Klauss and Walt’s sisters Irene, Louise and Margaret. Born on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1919, in Sandpoint, Idaho, Walt lived his early years in northern Idaho before the family settled in Portland, Oregon. Dropping out of high school, Walt hopped a freight car and ended up working in northern Idaho for the Forest Service. While owning and operating a shake mill, Walt was inducted in 1944 into the Army and was sent off to the WWII European Theater to drive tanks. In 1946, after reaching the rank of Sergeant Major, Walt earned his GED and enrolled in Officer Candidate School. He received further training in combat engineering and served in the Korean conflict. In 1960, Walt was stationed at Fort Lewis, bought a home in Lakewood and began a real estate rental business with Irmgard. He retired at Fort Lewis in 1964 as a Major with several years of college education and 11 years in Germany and tours in Korea, Taiwan and Quemoy. In 1964, Walt began his own general contracting business and continued to develop the real estate rental business, with a short foray into the timber brokerage business during the 1970’s. Along the way, Walt mentored a number of young men. After selling the last of their rental properties, he and Irmgard built their dream home and relocated to Puyallup in 1982. In the mid-1990’s, Walt went into semi-retirement working as a superintendent after co-founding D&W, Inc. Walt worked until after his 85th birthday when he suffered a stroke in April, a few days after his first major surgery, and was severely disabled. Walt will always be remembered for his zest for living, his unwavering optimism and his independent spirit. He was an avid reader, enjoyed fishing, and loved to travel with Irmgard. In years past, he had also enjoyed bowling and golf. His warm, outgoing disposition enabled him to befriend many others, whether here at home or abroad. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to the charity of your choice in memory of Walter L. Mitchell. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Panorama City Convalescent and Rehab Center for the care they provide to Walt, especially during his last days there.